Ryan hummed a tune and enjoyed the process of preparing a delicious meal when he suddenly felt a sharp sense of resentment that made his skin crawl. Instinctively, he looked up.
He saw Mobius standing nearby. With so many people around, he had the chance to take a closer look.
Her long green hair framed a stunning face that had a hint of wickedness, and she wore a black dress. The V-neck accentuated her chest, and a simple necklace nestled in the cleavage. The slit of the dress reached her thigh, revealing the straps of black stockings, and red high heels completed the look, making her appear like a noblewoman.
"Well, that outfit is quite nice. I didn't expect you to have such taste," Ryan commented.
"This is Elysia's dress. I wore it because it seemed fitting," Mobius replied with a snort, stepping closer to Ryan. "I didn't expect you could cook. Even the fat woman praised you."
"I know much more than that."
"Don't get too arrogant. I can cook too, it's not that difficult."
"Sure, your instant noodle skills are impressive," Ryan teased, glancing at her. Due to his height, he was standing a bit away, and didn't feel like engaging in a conversation. "How are you finding your vacation?"
Mobius initially thought it was boring but quickly changed her mind, realizing that such a response would seem insulting. She decided to rephrase.
"It's alright. It's like a company's team-building event—it improves cohesion and efficiency. I neither oppose nor support it."
"Mobius, your mouth is tougher than Hua's breastplate," Ryan said, rolling his eyes. She was the most elegantly dressed person at the gathering, elevating the atmosphere instantly.
Mobius paused, a bit confused by his comment, and then realized what he meant. Her resentment flared again.
"You still have the nerve to bring that up?"
"Why can't I? Hua was raised by me," Ryan said, his expression serious. His relationship with Mobius was strange—they were both strong-willed and often tried to control one another. Thankfully, Ryan had the upper hand at the moment.
"Okay, the meat is ready. Serve it to everyone. The cakes are a bit too much. Let's switch things up."
"You think I'm a waitress?" Mobius grumbled.
"Do you want to do it? If not, I'll ask Sakura."
"Call whoever you want... Never mind, I'll do it for you, but reluctantly."
Mobius rolled her eyes at Ryan, grabbed a plate, and walked away with exaggerated reluctance.
Ryan watched her go. The way her long skirt cinched at the waist and swayed with her hips as she moved was impossible to ignore. When she bent over to place the plate down, the slit of her dress lifted slightly, revealing her high-heeled legs and a rounded figure.
It was undeniably attractive, and the earlier guilt he felt seemed to dissipate.
Every time he suppressed Mobius, he felt a strange satisfaction.
"When she finally gives in, I'll be kind to her. But, this party's so lively today."
Ryan looked up and saw Vil-V floating above the pool, walking on water and performing a magic trick. The magical scene left Griseo in awe, clapping her hands in excitement, much to the magician's delight.
"Ladies and gentlemen, open your eyes wide, clap your hands, and enjoy the dance of the water, this miraculous wonder!"
The voice echoed, and the water in the pool seemed to dance around like an ethereal creature, transforming the space into a musical fountain. Not only Griseo but everyone applauded. Even Ryan, though confused by how it was done, found it impressive.
The water moved like jelly, and there was a faint Honkai energy reaction. Ryan noticed a device hidden in Vil-V's sleeve, glowing with red electronic light.
"Vil-V is misusing the experimental funds again," Ryan muttered under his breath.
Mei, standing beside him with a plate, looked displeased. "What misuse of funds?"
"She gave me a report saying she wanted to research underwater combat equipment. I thought it might be useful, so I approved it." Mei was clearly irritated as she pointed at Vil-V, who was still performing on the water. "And this is what she came up with."
The Honkai energy response was minimal and had no real practical value. It could only be considered a performance prop.
Ryan's mouth twitched. He knew that Vil-V was far from serious, with her free-spirited ideas, but he had recommended her, so he had to defend her.
"It's important to encourage invention. Geniuses are different from ordinary people, just like you and me."
Mei stared at him, and Ryan felt uneasy. He quickly changed the subject. "But the funds are limited, and they shouldn't be wasted on Vil-V."
"Technology is all about trial and error. I think it's worth paying a small price for the future of mankind."
"Alright, then hand over your savings to fund the future of mankind," Mei countered.
Ryan fell silent. Everyone was so concerned about their own finances. They were already being drained by Mobius, and if Vil-V was added to the mix, they would be destitute soon.
"Hmph, you only say nice things," Mei snorted. She watched Vil-V lift Griseo on the water's current, hearing the girl giggling, and her expression softened a little.
"Let her be for now. At least with Vil-V around, the party won't be boring. I think my idea is a bit unexpected."
"It's unexpected. I thought your next step would be to cut Vil-V's funding," Ryan smiled. Mei was rational, but she wasn't always easy to get along with.
"Because such lively days will become rarer, it's wise to enjoy the time we have."
She piled a plate with freshly roasted pork belly, stood up, and nodded slightly.
"I think Mobius likes Griseo."
"Well, it doesn't quite fit with her evil aunt persona."
"Evil aunt?" Mei raised an eyebrow and tried to suppress a smile. "Speaking of your rivalry, there's a way to settle it."
Ryan blinked, realizing Mei wasn't going to let him off the hook. "What method?"
"If you give her a child, Mobius will definitely change. I heard when she first held Griseo, she was so nervous her glasses almost fell off," Mei said, and before Ryan could respond, she walked away with the plate.
Ryan stood there stunned. "Okay, you're still upset about what happened last time. Believe it or not, I'll have Kevin give you a child first."
He cut a piece of lamb and popped it into his mouth. The rich, hot gravy exploded in his mouth, and his mood returned to normal.
But he was genuinely surprised this time. When Mei had come over, he thought she was finally going to ask about the situation with the Fourth Herrscher. But she held back.
"Forget it. Let's talk about work later."
Ryan pulled out Chi Xiao, the silver light flickering as he effortlessly cut the lamb leg into dozens of pieces, which fell elegantly onto the plate. He snapped his fingers.
"Who wants to eat roasted lamb leg?"
It was late, and the temperature had dropped to near freezing. Considering little Griseo, everyone chose to head inside.
The villa was spacious enough for everyone. The coffee table was filled with snacks, and cartoons played on the TV.
Elysia began preparing a midnight snack but didn't call Ryan. Instead, she called Blanca and Vil-V to help, saying she wanted to bake pizza.
The others joked that Ryan was too lucky and didn't want to join in.
Ryan sat on the sofa, glancing over at the card game. Kevin, Sue, Himiko, and Sakura were playing. There was no gambling involved, but the loser had to drink a large glass of beer.
"Seeking death," Ryan muttered with a smirk. He had already instructed Sakura to make sure Kevin got drunk.
"What a silly paramecium! Our Griseo is still the best." He patted the girl's head. Griseo, dressed in a light blue dress and white tights, was sitting in front of him, drawing with crayons.
"Hen, you're awesome. You got on the bus first and bought the ticket later," Ryan said, turning to look at Hen, a man with a scar on his nose. Ato and Blanca had been married for less than a year.
Ato glanced at Mobius, who was sitting next to Ryan, then answered, "There's been no time. She's busy with research, and I've been fighting in Shenzhou. Blanca said she wanted to make up for the time lost on children."
Ryan immediately understood. He thought that Blanca must not have found a successor, so she had to follow Mobius.
"Humph, someone will eventually be strung up by the street lamp," Ryan commented.
"Not really. Blanca volunteered, just like Klein. After the Third Herrscher incident, I found that what she did was really meaningful."
"Go help Mei in the future. You also need to take care of the children. High-intensity work isn't for you anymore."
"I just spoke with Klein. She's relieved."
Mobius, who had been squatting beside Griseo, looked around with a frown. "Why do I feel like you two are hinting at me?"
"At least you're somewhat self-aware," Ryan said, leaning over to pinch Griseo's cheek. The little girl turned her head in protest.
Pop.
"Take your dirty hands off and stop bullying Griseo," Mobius said, stretching her arms to pick up the girl. "Let's continue drawing and ignore this idiot."
"Well, Aunt Mobius, look at the banquet I drew."
"I've told you many times, call me sister."
Griseo, her eyes filled with confusion, tilted her head and said, "But Mom said you're an older leftover woman. Since you're older, you must be an aunt."
The room went silent for a moment before erupting in laughter.
"Hahaha, Aunt Mobius, did you hear that? I'm not trying to discredit you."
"Pfft, Dr. Mobius, don't be angry. Children's words shouldn't be taken seriously," someone teased.
Griseo still tilted her head, unsure why the adults were laughing, while Mobius clenched her fists, her face turning pale and blue. It was impossible for her to be angry with Griseo, but she nearly suffered internal injuries from holding it in.
"Did I come here to be tortured?" Mobius thought. "I was supposed to teach this little bastard a lesson."
Just then, Hua arrived with fruit. Her eyes narrowed, and her blood began to boil.
Hua had heard the comment and smiled faintly. She lowered her head and picked up a piece of orange.
"Brother, have some fruit. I need to ask you something."
"Thanks." Ryan smiled, about to take the fruit, but then noticed Hua was already holding another orange to his lips.
Mobius' face was full of smiles, her tone unusually sweet: "Come, open your mouth, let me feed you."
Ryan froze for a moment, noticing the same scene repeating itself with Hua's gentle voice.
"Brother, I'll feed you too."
Ryan looked back and forth between the two women—Mobius smiling and Hua with a serious expression, a hint of alcohol on her breath.
He suddenly couldn't laugh anymore.